Jordan Zakarin
Jordan Zakarin is a writer and editor based in New York City, focused on culture, media and politics. He's been a staffer at The Hollywood Reporter, Yahoo, NBCUniversal, HuffPost and BuzzFeed, and is a contributing editor at Observer.com.
MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR
Inside James Gandolfini's Sudden Death
The "Sopranos" star suffered a heart attack while on a trip to Italy in June 2013.
Inside the Mysterious Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping and Trial
The abduction of aviator Charles Lindbergh's young son captivated the country in the 1930s.
Inside Phil Hartman's Tragic and Shocking Death
The "Saturday Night Live" star was killed by his wife Brynn Omdahl, who battled with substance abuse, in their Los Angeles home in 1998.
Why Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla Clashed During the Battle of the Currents
The inventors' different approaches to creating a standardized electrical system ultimately drove them apart.
10 of WWE's Biggest and Most Notorious Feuds
These wrestlers often had beef with their fellow superstars in both the ring and real life.
Inside the McMahon Family Wrestling Dynasty
Four generations of McMahons have played a part in forming and growing what is now the WWE.
How Cyndi Lauper Helped Raise the Popularity of the WWE
After casting a wrestler in her music video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," the singer became a ringside staple.
The True Story of Michael Oher and 'The Blind Side'
The 2009 movie starring Sandra Bullock took some liberties while telling the triumphant tale of the football player.
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How Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi Created the Black Lives Matter Movement
What started off as a hashtag on a Facebook post has become a national rallying cry for equality.
How Lonnie Johnson Invented the Super Soaker
The engineer tuned toy inventor gamed up the idea for the water gun while preparing for a NASA mission.
Daniel Hale Williams Performed the First Successful Open Heart Surgery During an Emergency Procedure
The African American doctor had to think on his toes during the 1893 operation.
Martin Luther King Jr. and James Baldwin’s Complicated Relationship
The civil rights leaders had great respect and admiration for each other, but they clashed on some of their core beliefs.
Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder's Enduring — and Heartbreaking — Love Story
It was love at first sight for the "Saturday Night Live" star and "Willy Wonka" actor, but their relationship was cut tragically short by illness.
James Taylor Wrote One of His Biggest Hits While in Rehab
The singer's mental health struggles and battle with addiction led him down a path to create “Fire and Rain.”
Bob Dylan Was Going to Quit Music But Then Wrote One of His Biggest Hits
While taking refuge from the business, the musician created the chart-topping song "Like a Rolling Stone."
Tiger Woods' Sex Scandal: Inside His Fall From Grace and Comeback
The famed golfer seemingly had it all until a November 2009 car crash opened the tabloid flood gates and exposed his extramarital affairs.
Inside Princess Margaret's Physical and Mental Health Struggles
Known for her indulgences, the royal battled various health issues throughout her life.
Ronald Reagan: Inside the Attempted Assassination of the 40th President
Looking to win the attention of actress Jodie Foster, on March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr. took aim at the newly-elected commander in chief.
The Real Story of Mary Anning and Charlotte Murchison's Relationship
A romance between the women is depicted in the movie "Ammonite," but historians believe they were simply close friends
How Serena and Venus Williams’ Father Helped Push the Sisters to Tennis Stardom
Richard Williams coached his daughters hard from a young age, setting the sisters up for domination in the sport for more than two decades.
Stephen Colbert: The Tragic Plane Crash That Changed His Life
The ‘Late Show’ host was just 10 years old when he lost his father and two brothers in a fatal accident.
Trevor Noah and His Experience Growing Up in South Africa Under Apartheid
The ‘Daily Show’ host was 10 years old when apartheid ended, but his experience under the regime left a lasting impact on his life and career.
Why Edgar Allan Poe’s Death Remains a Mystery
More than a century after his untimely demise, there are still rumors and legends about how the author met his end.
10 Americans Who Have Lain in State
These history-making individuals were posthumously honored with their caskets displayed in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.